Rozena Bertrand

Rozena Bertrand

The family and friends of Rozena Bertrand are mourning the loss of their beloved one. She was called from this life and into the arms of Jesus on April 3, 2013 at the age of 95. She was a precious mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great- great-grandmother, aunt and friend who took joy in these roles.

A Mass of Christian burial honoring her life will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 10 a.m. Rozena will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery. Father Charles McMillin will officiate.

A gathering of family and friends to bid their final farewell to Rozena will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings today, Friday, April 5, 2013, from 1-9 p.m. with a rosary recited by Ida Trahan at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday, April 6, 2013, from 8 a.m. until the time of her funeral mass.

Rozena was born in Iota to the late Joseph Fruge and the late Ida Dietz Fruge on Oct. 1, 1917. She was a homemaker and devoted her life to the care of her family whom she adored. She was the centerpiece and backbone of the family. Rozena was a charter member of the Ladies Altar Society. She supported the care and well-being of crippled children through the Lions Club. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking and canning. She didn’t need to follow a recipe. She loved spending time with her children and generations of grandchildren.

Rozena is survived by her four daughters, Emma Jean Gary of Jennings, Frances (Danny) Babin of Gueydan, Nancy Bertrand STJ of Sulphur, and Margaret “Cookie” Bertrand of Jennings; and her 15 grandchildren, Paul Gary, Glen Gary, Myra Sarver, Tim Campbell, Peggy Campbell, Jeffrey Campbell, Hampton Campbell, Chris Bertrand, Marcus Fontenot, Frannie Deshotel, Joey Bertrand, Michelle Wiehle, Matt Bertrand, Ben Bertrand and Ashley LeGros; 35 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Rozena also leaves behind to cherish her memories two brothers, Wilfred (Elva) Fruge of Evangeline, and Norman (Catherine) Fruge of Plaquemine; her sister, Carolyn (Presley) Belaire of Gueydan; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Teresian Sisters were an important part of her extended family. The Sisters always stopped to visit because they felt at home and always enjoyed her delicious home-cooked meals and coffee.

Rozena was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joseph and Ida D. Fruge; her husband, Fredria Bertrand Sr.; her two sons, Fredria Bertrand Jr. and Michael Joseph Bertrand; one daughter, Patricia Ann Bertrand; her three brothers, Jim, Dago and Kelly Fruge; and her three sisters, Velma F. Golden, Molly F. Ledbetter and Lily Fruge.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lions Club in her honor. The Bertrand family would like to thank Clara Boulet for the many years of care given to Rozena. Mrs. Clara would often refer to Rozena as “mom”. They would also like to thank Mrs. Heloise Cassidy for her spiritual guidance and for bringing her the blessed sacrament.